Big News! Two important decisions in the state cabinet meeting regarding ZP-Panchayat Samiti elections

ZP Elections: Two important decisions were made today in the state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. These decisions mark a significant step towards preserving local self-government institutions and the state's historical heritage.

New Committee for the Protection of State-Protected Monuments

Special efforts will now be made to keep the monuments under the protection of the Maharashtra state government free from encroachments. The government has decided to remove illegal constructions on other historical sites, just like forts. For this, a state-level committee will be established under the leadership of the Minister of Cultural Affairs. This committee will include ministers from the Revenue, Rural Development, Tourism, Public Works, Forest, and Ports departments, as well as senior officials from the relevant departments. This committee will monitor the work of district-level committees and provide them with necessary guidance. District collectors have also been given the authority to directly provide funds for the preservation and maintenance of monuments.

Currently, there are about 390 state-protected monuments in the state. These include August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai, Dharavi Fort, the birthplace of Vasudev Balwant Phadke in Raigad, rock carvings in Ratnagiri, the birthplace of Yashwantrao Chavan in Sangli, historical sites in Kolhapur, as well as many temples like Tuljabhavani Temple and Khandoba Temple in Jejuri.

Amendments to the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti Act

The cabinet has also approved amendments to the Maharashtra Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis Act, 1961. Until now, appeals against the approval or rejection of nomination papers could be made in the district court. However, such cases made it difficult to conduct elections on time.

According to the new change, the decision of the election officers will be considered final. This will help reduce legal obstacles and ensure timely completion of district council and panchayat committee elections. For this, the Maharashtra District Councils and Panchayat Committees (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 has been approved by the cabinet. It is believed that these two decisions will not only make the state's administration more efficient but also protect the historical heritage more effectively.